Bostonians and Haifaim Schmooze Over Election, Jewish Texts

Jewish young professionals discussed the election and role of government in a preview of the Eser program over beer and sushi.

Attendees took a nonpartisan view at democracy, politics and representation illuminated by Jewish sources.

A group of more than 40 young people from Boston and Haifa gathered for a post-election schmooze and Torah study a week after Election Day in Brookline. The event was put on by Eser, a program of Hebrew College that supports Jewish discussion meet-ups in living rooms across Boston for young professionals in their 20s and 30s. It was co-sponsored by the Riverway Project.

Attendees were led in a text study on the relationship between the governed and the governing. With a new administration about to take the helm, the group discussed the need for rulers, the best forms of leadership and what validates government.

Participants grappled with holding a minority opinion or disagreeing with political leaders. Examining the quote from 12th Century French Talmudist, the Rashbam, “If, in your opinion, the majority are about to commit an error in judgment, do not remain silent because they are the majority, but state your view. This applies even if you know beforehand that they will not accept your viewpoint but that of the majority.”

In attendance were a cohort of young Israeli leaders from Haifa on a mission to Boston, who were able to provide their unique perspective on the ideological divide in Israeli politics.

Many of the attendees will reunite this spring for the Eser program, which will feature discussions on sticky situations that challenge assumptions and explore Jewish ideas on issues including responsibility for others, offensive speech, the environment, commerce and relationships.

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Ashley is a Jewish educator and associate director of the young adult programs at Hebrew College. She holds an MA in Jewish leadership and an MBA in nonprofit management through the Hornstein Jewish Leadership Program at Brandeis University, and a BA in communications from Wichita State University. Ashley has worked as a development officer at CJP, a consultant with JOIN for Justice and as a health volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. Ashley is passionate about motherhood, Jewish storytelling and global Jewry.